CHAPTER 172: LIKE A WAVE CRASHING AGAINST A CLIFF

Chapter 172: Like a Wave Crashing Against a Cliff

Beyond the Wall, True North

POV of Robb Stark

Despite his fear of Varko, Theon seemed determined to stand against Lord Bolton, so he continued speaking. "I am also an heir; I have the right to speak. Robb, are you going to let him trea..."

"The heir who has no men at his command to fight for him." This time, Lord Bolton did not let Theon finish his sentence. Before Robb even had a chance to say anything, he continued.

"But that’s not why I want you to shut your mouth. I want you to shut your mouth because every time you open your mouth, all I hear is squid squawking. Frankly, it’s really irritating me. If my friend Jon here wanted to talk, I could listen to him for half an hour without getting bored, but you’re neither my friend nor someone important. So shut the fuck up." Theon’s face had already turned purple when Lord Bolton said these words.

Robb was pleased that Lord Bolton had praised Jon and treated him like a true friend, especially in front of the other lords and heirs. However, he wasn’t entirely happy about the fact that Lord Bolton and his friend Theon were arguing.

He wondered if he should do something, but the other lords and heirs were all remaining silent, and Robb clearly didn’t want to risk getting involved and damaging his relationship with Lord Bolton.

And Lord Bolton wasn’t finished yet.

"And in case you’ve forgotten, let me remind you. The Greyjoys are no more. After their last rebellion, I personally proposed to the king, ensuring they would never see the light of freedom again. Now all the Greyjoys are either at the Wall or have become silent sisters. If you think you’ll ever rule the Iron Islands as some squid who slipped through the cracks, you’re sorely mistaken. You’re living in a dream."

When Lord Bolton’s speech against Theon was over, Theon’s face had now turned from purple to white, and he silently took a step back and hung his head down in shame.

When Lord Bolton received no response from Theon, he turned to the lords and heirs and began speaking again. "Now that we’ve sorted out the squid squawking issue, we can talk about the significant stuff. I want everyone to gather their men and get ready. We’ll finish our business here quickly and then get going."

"Now? Why don’t we wait until sunrise?" Lord Commander Jeor Mormont asked. Perhaps because, after the tension just now, he felt he was the only one brave enough to question Lord Bolton.

"Because the fire that would result from burning the bodies of the dead might invite other intruders. I’d rather set out early than engage in unnecessary battle."

Lord Bolton’s words surprised many in the tent. No one had expected the burning bodies of the dead. Lord Commander Jeor Mormont questioned Lord Bolton again. But this time, his tone was louder. Apparently, he wasn’t happy about the idea of burning the corpses.

"What do you mean by burning the bodies, Lord Bolton? The Night’s Watch doesn’t burn their dead; they bury them. If you’re talking about wildlings, leave them where they are. These lands will soon swallow them with snow."

"I’m sorry, but that’s impossible. Those who die on this expedition have two fates. We either take their bodies with us or we burn them. I accept no objection on this point. You were the ones who wanted to join this expedition and come north of the Wall with me. Therefore, you must follow my methods. You had better organize your men as quickly as possible. We will be leaving soon." With these words, Lord Bolton turned and left the tent. Varko was only a step behind him.

After some time, all the necessary preparations for departure were completed, and the host set out to continue his expedition.

As before, the lords and heirs rode together, except for Lord Bolton, who rode at the front of the host, and Lord Commander Jeor Mormont, who guarded the rear.

This time, it was someone other than Smalljon who broke the silence.

"I saw some of the battle last night." Galbart Glover said as they marched on their horses at the front of their men.

After collecting and burning the corpses against the discontent of the men from the Night’s Watch, as he had said in the tent, Lord Bolton gave the order to the men to move out in case the fire attracted any more tribes, as they were practically in enemy territory.

Robb still didn’t understand why Lord Bolton had been so insistent on burning all the corpses, but if what Lord Bolton had told them about the reason for this expedition was true, then he could understand.

And even though the Night’s Watch members themselves didn’t seem to believe the rumors about White Walkers, they had not protested too much when Lord Bolton brought up the topic of burning the dead, only looking uneasily at each other.

"How was it?" Smalljon asked, "Do Lord Bolton’s men only bark or do they bite as well?"

"It was... like a slaughter," Glover said and let out an involuntary shudder. "I don’t know if these Wildlings were particularly bad, but after watching them slaughtered so easily... I don’t think I want Lord Bolton and his men as my enemy."

"It can’t be that bad," Theon said with a frown, and Galbart Glover laughed.

"Oh, but it was." The Glover paused and shook his head. "It’s... hard to explain."

"Hard? How?" Jon asked. Galbart Glover paused to give his brother a glance that people usually save for bastards. Robb’s heart burned with anger at that.

Jon will always be his brother. And the fact that people looked down on him for being a bastard never sat right with him.

Maybe that was another reason why he respected Lord Bolton so much, because Lord Bolton treated Jon like he treated any other person. With respect, even if it was mired by his attitude of casual disinterest and indifference to almost everything.

"Hard as..." Galbart cupped his chin and thought about a proper response. "Have you ever seen a wave crash against a cliff?" he asked at last.

Most of them shook their heads. Dacey and Theon were the only ones who nodded.

"Well, it was like that." Galbart nodded to himself, "At first, the wave seemed large and powerful and dangerous. Like if you stand in front of it, then it would sweep you away along with it. That is how the 500 wildlings charging at us looked. But then they crashed against the Bolton men like a strong wave crashing against a rocky cliff." Galbart Glover shook his head once again, "The Wildlings never stood a chance."

Robb glanced backward and looked at his own 500 men marching behind him. He wondered how they would have fared against the Cave Dwellers.

He was sure that they would have emerged victorious in the battle, but he doubted that any army would have come out as unscathed as Lord Bolton’s army did.

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Next Chapters’ Name:

Ch.173: Rumors

Ch.174: We Are Being Followed